SAPS investigates foreign national for wearing police uniform, South Africans demand answers

The South African Police Service launched an investigation after a foreign national was found wearing a SAPS uniform
Wearing or impersonating a SAPS uniform without authorisation is a criminal offence under South African law
The incident is not the first of its kind, and it sparked various reactions from South Africans on social media

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG — The South African Police Service is investigating a foreign national man in Pretoria after he was found wearing an unauthorised SAPS uniform.

Verified X account @CrimeWatch_RSA shared an update on the matter and confirmed that an investigation is underway. The man in question has been identified as Prophet Nana Poku, founder of Kingdom Prayer Ministry International, who has 131,000 followers on X.

What the law says about SAPS uniforms

Under South African law, it is a criminal offence to wear any SAPS uniform, badge, or item that materially resembles official police clothing unless the person is a serving member authorised under the Police Act, or holds written permission from the National or Provincial Commissioner.

No such authorisation was indicated in Poku's case.

This is not the first incident of its kind

This is not the first time a foreign national has been investigated for impersonating a South African police officer.

In 2025, the SAPS called on a woman identifying herself as Khosi Thomson to stop impersonating members of the service. Thomson had shared multiple photographs of herself dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform and claimed to be an officer stationed at the Johannesburg Central Police Station.

A preliminary investigation confirmed that Thomson was not a member of the SAPS and had no official standing within the service. The SAPS also confirmed that the clothing in her photographs was not SAPS-issued uniform.

How did South Africans react?

The latest incident drew sharp responses from South Africans on X.

@AbutiSlesh asked:

"Where did he get it? There are many unpatriotic officials in your department? Root out that corruption, teach them patriotism."

@Rangwan83660043 wrote:

"Deport him and whoever gave the uniform."

@TshepaMokone commented:

"First-class citizens of the Banana Republic of South Africa."

@Mchunu2Mlamuli said:

"They don't even respect the Police."

@MsKMP2 wrote:

"Man of God in SAPS uniform? He must choose his fight (hustle) and stick to it. Mxm."

@Bongani xaba asked:

"Is he even here legally?"

SAPS investigates foreign national for wearing police uniform, South Africans demand answers

What the law says about SAPS uniforms

This is not the first incident of its kind

How did South Africans react?

Other stories about people impersonating police officers